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254]

Original Article

Homoeopathic pathogenetic trial of Cuprum aceticum:

A multicentric, double‑blind, randomized, placebo controlled
trial
Pritha Mehra1, Ashish Mahajan2*, Anil K. Vichitra1, B. S. J. Rajakumar3, Jai P. Singh4, Kishan Banoth3, B. S. Arya1, Anil Khurana5, R. K. Manchanda5,
Maya Padmanabhan5
1
D. P. Rastogi Central Research Institute of Homoeopathy, Noida, 2Central Research Institute of Homoeopathy, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 3Regional Research
Institute of Homoeopathy, Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh, 4Homoeopathic Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 5Central Council for Research in
Homoeopathy, New Delhi, India

Abstract
Background: Although the symptomatology of Cuprum metallicum is quite vast, its other salts have fragmentary proving. Thus, homoeopathic
pathogenetic trial for Cuprum aceticum (Cu acet.) was taken up. Objective: To elicit the pathogenetic response to Cu acet. in homoeopathic
potencies on healthy human provers. Materials and Methods: A multi‑center, double‑blind randomized, placebo controlled, trial was conducted
at three centers of Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy. Proving was conducted on 50 relatively healthy provers selected after
conducting the Pretrial Medical Examination. All the provers were given placebo during the first phase of the trial. In the next two phases, Cu acet.
was administered in 6 C and 30 C potencies, in the intervention group (n = 34); and placebo in the placebo group (n = 16), after randomization.
The proving data so generated on Cu acet. were compiled and analyzed at the proving‑cum‑data processing cell. Results: Out of 34 provers
who were on actual drug trial, only 12 provers manifested symptoms. Twenty‑six and 20 symptoms were manifested in 6C and 30C potency,
respectively. Conclusion: The pathogenetic response elicited during the proving trial expands the scope of use of the homoeopathic medicine
C. aceticum. The symptoms generated in this trial will carry more value when verified clinically.

Keywords: Cuprum aceticum, Double blind, Drug proving, Homoeopathy, Pathogenetic effect, Placebo, Verdigris

Introduction external application, he made a salve of hog’s lard and 30%

Cuprum aceticum (Cu acet.) is commonly known as acetate
of copper. It is seen that cuprum and its salts are used for
medical properties since ancient times. The book De Materia
Medica by Dioscorides (first century A. D.) describes the use
of verdigris (made by exposing metallic copper to vinegar
steam to form copper acetate) in combination with copper
sulfate as a remedy for bloodshot eyes, inflamed eyes, “fat
in the eyes,” and cataracts.[1] Copper was also employed in
ancient India and Persia to treat lung diseases. The tenth
century book, Liber Fundamentorum Pharmacologiae
describes the use of copper compounds for medicinal
purposes in ancient Persia. Powdered malachite was
sprinkled on boils, copper acetate and copper oxide were
used for diseases of the eye and for the elimination of “yellow
bile.” In 1885, the French physician, Luton, reported on using
copper acetate in his practice to treat arthritis patients. For
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neutral copper acetate. For internal treatment, he used pills
containing 10 mg of copper acetate.[2]
Quoting from the Allen’s Encyclopedia of Pure Materia
Medica, “Dr.  Samuel Hahnemann, in his Fragmenta, 1805,
gives symptoms under the heading of “Cuprum vitriolatum”
and in 1824 contributed to Franz’s collection in the Archiv.
f. Hom., where “Cu acet.” is directed to be used. Franz’s
collection also includes symptoms by Franz, Fr. H‑n,
*Address for correspondence: Dr. Ashish Mahajan,
Central Research Institute of Homoeopathy, Sector‑ 26, Pratap Nagar,
Jaipur ‑ 302 033, Rajasthan, India.
E‑mail: dr.aashishmahajan@gmail.com
Received: 27.05.2020; Accepted: 02.06.2021; Published: 29.06.2021.
This is an open access journal, and articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution‑NonCommercial‑ShareAlike 4.0 License, which allows others to
remix, tweak, and build upon the work non‑commercially, as long as appropriate credit
is given and the new creations are licensed under the identical terms.
For reprints contact: WKHLRPMedknow_reprints@wolterskluwer.com

How to cite this article: Mehra P, Mahajan A, Vichitra AK, Rajakumar BS,
DOI: Singh JP, Banoth K, et al. Homoeopathic pathogenetic trial of Cuprum
10.4103/ijrh.ijrh_54_20 aceticum: A multicentric, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled
trial. Indian J Res Homoeopathy 2021;15:77-94.

© 2021 Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow 77

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Mehra, et al.: Drug proving of Cuprum aceticum
Herrmann, and Ruckert, as well as various poisoning cases
contributed by Dr. Hahnemann.”[3]
Although the symptomatology of Cuprum metallicum is quite
vast in homoeopathic materia medica, its other salts have
fragmentary provings.
Homoeopathic drug proving is not only an integral part, but the
first step to find out the pathogenetic effect of a drug substance.
Hence, this proving was conducted to assess the therapeutic
effect of Cu acet.
Description
Details and chemical properties of cuprum acetate are as
follows:
Copper (II) acetate monohydrate (Cu [II] acetate) is odourless
and efflorescent. It is soluble in alcohol and slightly soluble in
ether and glycerol. Cu (II) acetate has many applications, as
a fungicide, insecticide, catalyst for organic reactions, as well
as applications in electrolysis and electroplating.[4]
Cu (II) acetate is used in the biochemical applications such as
DNA extraction. Cu (II) complexes have been evaluated for
anticancer, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. These are
known to cleave DNA; however, increased efficiency is seen
in the presence of an oxidizer (often hydrogen peroxide).[5]
Materials and Methods
Study design and study setting
A multicenter prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo
controlled study with allocation ratio of verum: placebo
as 70:30 was conducted at three institutes of the Central
Council for Research in Homoeopathy  (CCRH): Dr.  D. P.
Rastogi Central Research Institute of Homoeopathy, Noida,
Regional Research Institute of Homoeopathy, Gudivada
and Homoeopathic Drug Research Institute, Lucknow.
Proving Master was Research Officer of the Council, having
post graduate degree in Homoeopathy whereas, Honorary
Consultants were the experts of various specialties of modern
medicine engaged in the examination of volunteers/provers.
Medical experts constituted both of them.
Participants
Selection of provers
Applications were invited from 15 to 20 volunteers
(from each center) of both sexes and age 18 years and above
through a notice placed on the notice board of the institutes and
homoeopathic colleges. The volunteers of non-homoeopathic
background were also considered for the study. Pretrial medical
examination (PME) was then conducted for 76 volunteers after
getting written informed consent from them, 05 of which were
from the non-homoeopathic background. Detailed physical,
pathological, and radiological examinations were conducted by
the medical experts to ensure the health status of the volunteers
before enrolment into the study. For the pathogenetic drug trial
of Cu acet, a total of 50 volunteers were enrolled as provers.
78 Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy ¦ Volume 15 ¦ Issue 2 ¦ April-June 2021
Inclusion and exclusion criteria
Volunteers of both sexes with age more than 18 years, certified
as healthy by the medical experts, found capable of carefully
recording the facts, subjective, and objective symptoms
generated by the drug during proving and those who had not
taken any homoeopathic medicines in the last 2 months were
included in the study.
Volunteers suffering from any acute or chronic disease,
color blindness, anxiety or hysteria, having any addictions,
undergoing any kind of medical treatment, undergone surgery
in last 2  months, women during pregnancy, puerperium or
lactating, and those who had participated in another clinical
or proving trial during the last 6 months were excluded from
the study.
Sample size
Sample size was determined as per the Drug Proving Protocol
of the Council,[6] according to which there should be at least
15 provers at each center, 30% of whom shall act as control.
Therefore, 50 provers were enrolled at three centers for this
trial. 34 provers were under verum group and 16 were under
placebo group.
Randomization and blinding
Provers were randomized in two groups using stratified
randomization technique for each center, Group I: Homoeopathic
medicine group and Group II: Placebo group. Random numbers
were generated with the help of computer‑based software
available at www.randomizer.org,[7] and the random code
for the provers along with the information about the group
allocation was kept at CCRH headquarters. The decoding of
the group was done after the compilation of the symptoms
produced in both the groups.
Both homoeopathic drug and placebo were dispensed in
identical form, visually indistinguishable from each other, from
Nodal Office of Drug Proving Programme at Dr. D. P. Rastogi
Central Research Institute  (Homoeopathy), Noida. Provers,
Proving Master and the Programme Officer were investigators
and kept blinded to the group allocation and also to the identity
of the drug. All the provers were assigned code numbers and
coded drugs of different potencies were supplied in separate
glass phials bearing code numbers of the respective prover.
Intervention
Homoeopathic group
Homoeopathic dilutions of Cu acet. in 6C and 30C potencies
in 100  ml sealed bottles were procured from a Good
Manufacturing Practices certified Homoeopathic Drug
manufacturer, Hahnemann Publishing Company Private Ltd.,
Kolkata, India. Globules of number 30 were medicated with
these dilutions at the proving‑cum‑data processing cell at Nodal
office of Drug Proving.
Placebo group
Placebo consisted of nonmedicated globules  (number 30)
moistened with nonmedicated dispensing alcohol (unsuccussed)
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Mehra, et al.: Drug proving of Cuprum aceticum
and was therefore indistinguishable from verum in appearance,
taste, and color.
Duration of study
Proving period: 1 year (2014–2015).
Ethics and consent
The Council’s 18th  Ethical Committee approved the study
protocol on June 19, 2014. Proving Masters with experience
in drug proving were sensitized about the protocol. Written
informed consent was received from all the volunteers prior to
enrolment in the study, after providing the detailed information
about the trial.
All procedures were in accordance with the ethical standards
of the responsible committee on human experimentation and
with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2013.[8]
Procedure
Study was conducted in three phases at each of the centers. In
each phase, 12 doses of drug or placebo as per randomization
were administered, divided in four doses/day for 3 days (if no
symptom arises).
Phase‑I: Placebo phase. All the provers were given Placebo in
Phase I. It is useful in generating prover’s response to placebo
in both the groups, and therefore, symptoms generated by the
prover in this stage act as control for subsequent phases.
Phase‑II: In the 2nd phase, the verum group received the drug
in 6C potency and Placebo group received optically identical
placebo.
Phase‑III: In the 3rd phase, the verum group received the drug
in 30C potency and Placebo group received optically identical
placebo.
At each study center, a Proving Master supervised the volunteers
enrolled in the study. After receiving the informed consent,
PME, the baseline characteristics equivalent to Homoeopathic
interview and the findings with respect to all the systemic
examination and laboratory investigations (Complete Blood
Count, Blood Sugar Fasting, Lipid Profile, Liver Function Test,
Kidney Function Test, Urine (routine and microscopy), Stool
(routine and microscopy), electrocardiogram, Chest X‑ray
PA view and ultrasonography whole abdomen and pelvis)
were filled in the pro forma. The volunteers were instructed
to take four globules of the coded drug four times a day for a
maximum period of 3 days. Orientation training programs were
conducted for the staff, faculty and students of homoeopathic
medical colleges to educate them about the process of drug
proving and safety of proving substance before the initiation
of the study. However, as it was a double‑blind study, names
of proving substance were not disclosed. The provers were
asked to note down daily the details of their feelings/changes
in mental and/or physical state, after taking the coded drug in
“Prover’s Day Book Proforma”©.
If sign(s)/symptoms(s) appeared
• The provers were asked to stop taking the drug/placebo
Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy ¦ Volume 15 ¦ Issue 2 ¦ April-June 2021
as soon as they felt any change or any sign(s) and/or
symptoms(s) developed during the trial
• The provers noted down the sequence of the appearance
of new sign(s) and/or symptoms(s), their progress and
the number of doses after which such sign(s) and/or
symptoms(s) appeared, with date, time of onset and
duration for which they persisted
• Any change in normal routine of the prover in respect of
daily habits pertaining to diet, living conditions etc., any
treatment taken was also noted in the Prover’s Day Book
Proforma.
After disappearance of sign(s) and/or symptom(s) produced
by the drug, the volunteer had to wait for a further period
of 30 days (wash out period) before starting the next phase
following the same dose schedule as stated above.
The symptoms recorded in “Prover’s Day Book Proforma”
were verified by the Proving Master and completed through
further interrogation with the provers in respect to their
location(s), sensation(s), modalities and concomitants,
extension of symptoms, causation, clinicopathological findings
and other treatment taken, if any, in “Symptoms Elaboration
Proforma.”
During the course of proving, the provers were referred for specific
laboratory investigation(s) to rule out any pathological cause of
appearance of symptom(s). Since laboratory tests were performed
to identify any correlation between the subjective and objective
changes during the course of proving, the expert opinion of the
honorary consultant(s) was obtained, wherever needed.
If no sign(s)/symptoms(s) appeared
The provers noted down “No Symptom” with date and time of
intake of the respective dose of the drug/placebo in “Prover’s
Day Book Proforma.”
Before commencing the administration of subsequent
potencies (subsequent Phase) of the drug, the provers remained
on a wash out period of 30  days and started taking next
potency following the same procedure as mentioned above,
till completion of all the doses/appearance of symptom. The
same procedure was followed for the 3rd  phase. After the
completion of trial of all potencies, the provers underwent
Terminal (Post Trial) Medical Examination (TME), following
the same manner as done during PME.
On completion of all the phases of the drug proving, the
compilation of data recorded in “Prover’s Day Book
Proforma,” “Symptoms Elaboration Proforma,” “Pathological
Report Sheets” and “TME sheets,” was done by the Drug
Proving‑cum‑Data Processing Cell of the Council. After
decoding, the sign(s) and/or symptom(s) generated by the
provers kept on the drug were separated from those generated
by the provers kept on placebo.
Management of adverse effects
A vial of medicated globules of Camphora 30C was sent
with each quota to each center as “Antidote.” As per
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Mehra, et al.: Drug proving of Cuprum aceticum
recommendation by a group of experts, Camphora 30C was
used as an antidote. In case of prolonged or intensely disturbing
symptoms, antidote was to be used by the Proving Master after
consulting the medical expert.
Proving symptoms
The sign(s) and/or symptom(s) generated by verum  (drug)
or control (placebo) on each prover are noted down for each
phase, number of doses after which each of the signs or
symptoms appeared and the duration for which they persisted.
The sign(s) and/or symptom(s) generated by verum group are
separated from those generated by provers of control group.
The sign(s) and/or symptom(s) which were produced by the
placebo in control and verum group provers are not taken into
consideration.
Statistical analysis
The consolidated standards of reporting trials[9] and Red Hot
guidelines[10] were adhered to report the outcome of the trial.
The compiled data of proving symptoms and the changes in the
laboratory investigations were analysed using IBM Statistical
Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20, USA for
Windows was used for all the data analysis.
Comparisons between Homoeopathy and placebo groups were
performed at baseline to assess randomization effect using
independent “t‑test” for the continuous variable and “Chi‑square
test” for the categorical variables. Further “descriptive
analysis” was done for the data with respect to the pathogenetic
effect (signs and/or symptoms) produced during trial.
To distinguish placebo effect and nocebo effect, intra and inter
prover analysis was done in both the groups.
Pathogenetic effects
Pathogenetic effects  (Proving symptoms) are defined as all
changes in state of health and laboratory findings reported by
the provers during the Homoeopathic Pathogenetic Trial and
recorded in the final report. The incidence of pathogenetic
effects per prover is defined as the total number of findings
observed in verum group of the trial divided by the total
number of provers.[11]
Pathogenetic effects were deduced from:
i. Comparison of symptoms developed in the placebo phase
with symptoms during intervention phases (intra‑prover
comparison)
ii. Comparison of symptoms developed by provers on
control  (for all phases) with provers on actual drug
trial (inter‑prover comparison).
Results
From three drug proving centers where the study was
conducted, a total of 76 volunteers were screened and 50
apparently healthy volunteers were enrolled as provers.
Of 50 provers, 34 were on verum and 16 were on placebo.
Figure  1 shows the flowchart of the number of volunteers
who underwent screening, enrolled, randomized in two groups
80 Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy ¦ Volume 15 ¦ Issue 2 ¦ April-June 2021
and number of provers who developed symptoms during
the trial. The baseline information in both the groups was
comparable (P ≥ 0.05) and well matched as shown in Table 1.
Out of 50 enrolled provers, 42 provers underwent the TME. 06
provers dropped out from the verum group while 02 provers
dropped out from placebo group. The descriptive data analysis
was done for remaining 42 provers as per protocol.
During the pathogenetic trial, out of 34 provers who were
in verum group, only 12 (35%) provers reported symptoms
consequent upon the administration of the drug. In the
placebo group, five (31%) provers produced the symptoms.
The symptoms developed after the administration of both
the potencies, i.e., 6C and 30C. Out of 46 symptoms which
were produced by the provers of verum group in the 2nd and
3rd phases, 26 symptoms were produced in 6C potency [Table 2]
while 20 symptoms were produced in 30C potency [Table 3].
In 6C potency, majority of symptoms developed after the
administration of 10–12 doses while in 30C potency symptoms
developed after administration of 4–5 doses only.
The following proving symptoms appeared in both 6C and
30C potency:
1. Loquacity (talking about irrelevant things), did not want
to be interrupted, if interrupted feels like hitting
2. Bursting pain in the frontal region of the head
3. Stitching pain in right lower molar
4. Gripping, colicky pain in the abdomen
5. Dry cough
6. Stitching pain in lower extremities especially calf muscles
7. Fever.
Loquacity, stitching pain in right lower molar, stitching pain in
lower extremities especially calf muscles and fever symptoms
are reported by the same prover in both 6C and 30C potency.
They were reported singularly by different provers in the verum
group only. They were not observed in the placebo group or
the placebo phase of the verum group.
Analysis was also done considering the physical built,
physical generals and mental generals of the provers in the
verum group who have produced symptoms but no significant
similarities were found in these provers, which could have
been considered the constitutional symptoms. Further,
inter‑group analysis considering the above parameters were
done in the provers who have produced symptoms in the
Figure 1: Flow chart of study participants
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Mehra, et al.: Drug proving of Cuprum aceticum

Table 1: Baseline information

Variable Homoeopathy (n=34) Placebo (n=16) P
Age (years) 23.8±4.1 23.6±3.7 0.794§
Gender, n (%)
Male 16 (47.1) 7 (43.8) 0.827¥
Female 18 (52.9) 9 (56.2)
BMI 21.5±3.01 22.28±4.54 0.473§
HB (g/dl) 12.98±1.58 13.03±1.58 0.895§
TLC 7465.3±896.1 7319.3±1371.7 0.654§
ESR (mm after 1 h) 11.44±8.63 11.31±6.48 0.958§
Fasting BS (mg/dl) 79.86±9.79 81.28±8.43 0.619§
Total cholesterol (mg/dl) 154.1±25.76 141.53±29.84 0.133§
SGOT (U/L) 16.55±6.85 16.94±5.18 0.843§
SGPT (U/L) 22.51±11.93 20.82±7.81 0.609§
Alkaline phosphatase 144.63±21.76 138.36±21.58 0.345§
Values are expressed in (%), mean±SD, §Independent t‑test, ¥Chi‑square test. BMI: Body mass index, SD: Standard deviation, HB: Hemoglobin, TLC: Total Leucocyte
Count, ESR: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, SGPT: Serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, SGOT: Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, BS: Blood Sugar

Table 2: Symptoms produced with 6C potency of Cu acet.

Location Symptoms observed Doses Symptom duration in days
Mind Loquacity (talking about irrelevant things), didn’t want to be interrupted, if interrupted feels 12 3 days
like hitting
Vertigo Vertigo; aggravation afternoon, amelioration evening 12 10 days
Head Bursting pain in frontal region of head; aggravation night 12 7 days
Pain in head as if head would burst (10 am to12 noon); aggravation stooping 12 2h
Dull, aching pain in the frontal region of the head with coryza; aggravation Walking, bending 2 1 day
forward, afternoon till night, amelioration pressure, after sleep
Eyes Swelling of both lower eyelids, aggravation morning 12 4 days
Nose Sneezing with watery nasal discharge; aggravation morning 12 4 days
Mouth Aphthae on lower lip, white in color, with red margins, and burning pain; aggravation eating, 12 3 days
talking
Aphthae in mouth with burning pain, whitish in color, red in margin with dry tongue 12 6 days
Dryness of mouth with excessive thirst and desire for cold water 3 3 days
Teeth Stitching pain in right lower molar; aggravation eating 12 5 days
Throat Sore throat A/F exposure to dust; aggravation noon to evening, cold water, amelioration taking 2 4h
tea, gargling by hot water
Stomach Nausea with weakness; aggravation 9 am 12 10 days
Abdomen Cutting pain in abdomen; aggravation eating 12 5 days
Aching pain in abdomen at 6 pm (umbilical region). Next day pain increased in intensity with 11 2 days
loose watery stool (3-4 times/day); aggravation eating
Gripping pain in abdomen with loose stool (3 times/day), associated with great thirst, loss of 12 7 days
appetite, and bitter taste
Rectum Stool mixed with blood, burning sensation in rectum; amelioration cold application 2 5 days
Cough Dry cough, aggravation night 12 1 day
Back Aching pain in the nape of the neck from 2 pm to 7 pm; aggravation looking upwards. Next 10 4 days
day the intensity of symptom increased from the morning till the evening and continued for 2
more days
Dull aching pain with stiffness in lumbar region; aggravation afternoon till night, walking, 2 1 day
lying down, amelioration massaging
Extremities Stitching pain in lower extremities especially calf muscles; aggravation night 12 6 days
Itching in the right leg, scratching leads to burning 10 1 day
Sleep Sleeplessness 12 5 days
Fever Fever with chills and body ache in the evening; aggravation cold weather 12 1 day
Skin Small red macules on the left side of the neck and shoulder without itching for 8 days. Then 12 14 days
only on the neck since the 9th day and disappeared after 5 days
Small, red papular eruptions on the right arm and front of the neck, associated with itching and 12 6 days
burning; aggravation touch, night, amelioration rubbing
A/F: Ailments from

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Mehra, et al.: Drug proving of Cuprum aceticum

Table 3: Symptoms developed by 30C potency of Cu acet.

Location Symptoms observed Doses Symptom duration in days
Mind Anger with irritability when contradicted; amelioration being alone. This is associated with 5 4 days
thoughts of committing suicide
Loquacity (talking about irrelevant things), did not want to be interrupted, if interrupted feels 5 4 days
like hitting
Head Bursting pain in head; aggravation night, amelioration pressure 4 5 day
Pain in head with feeling as if head would burst in small pieces associated with sleepiness; 5 6 day
aggravation bending forward
Bursting pain in frontal region of head; aggravation walking, noise, amelioration tight bandaging 5 1 day
Eyes Heaviness in both eyes followed by retro‑orbital pain with burning in eyes, aggravation after 4 5 days
studying. Next day lachrymation in both eyes with itching and puffiness around the eyes;
aggravation after studying
Nose Coryza with watery nasal discharge; aggravation morning, night 4 3 days
Teeth Stitching pain in first right lower molar radiating to right ear; aggravation cold drink, 4 2 days
amelioration warm water
Abdomen Heaviness and stinging pain in whole abdomen; aggravation eating, amelioration pressure 4 3 day
Heaviness in the epigastric region 5 1 day
Colicky pain in abdomen; aggravation eating, drinking, amelioration pressure, bending forward 5 1 day
Rectum Hard, unsatisfactory stool 5 4 days
Cough Dry cough with scanty, white expectoration associated with throbbing pain in head on coughing, 10 4 days
heaviness in head throughout the day and fever (99.6°F). However, cough symptoms continued
for the next 2 days and fever again on the third day (99°F)
Back Cutting pain in lumbar region; aggravation lying down, walking, amelioration sitting, warmth 4 3 days
Extremities Stitching pain in claves; aggravation walking, amelioration pressure 4 4 days
Stitching pain in both legs; aggravation night, amelioration pressure 4 3h
Sleep Sleepiness 4 1 days
Fever Fever (102°F) associated with vomiting (once of undigested food particles), vertigo, restlessness, 5 3 days
weakness, reduced appetite, and disturbed sleep during day and night
Generalities Weakness of whole body associated with vertigo 4 5 days
Burning sensation in the whole body 5 2 days

verum group and control group but no distinct similarities or
dissimilarities were found.
A comprehensive qualitative symptom profile of intervention
group, control group, and former homoeopathic proving
symptoms found in the literature [Table 4] reflect that:
• Symptoms were generated in intervention group and
were placed in regional spheres (following the Schema
Repertory of the Homoeopathic Materia Medica by
J. T. Kent[12]) of Mind, Vertigo, Head, Eyes, Nose, Mouth,
Throat, Abdomen, Rectum, Cough, Back, Extremities,
Sleep and Skin in the present study and were found to
have striking similarities to the symptoms present in the
homoeopathic literature[3,13,14]
• In addition to the above, symptoms were also generated in
intervention group in regional spheres of teeth, stomach,
fever, and generalities.
A brief summarization of the main symptoms observed which
are also mentioned in the homoeopathic literature is as follows:
1. Anger and attacks of rage
2. Violent pain in the frontal region of the head
3. Eyelids swollen
4. Dryness of mouth with thirst for cold water
5. Sore throat
6. Colicky, gripping pain in the abdomen and diarrhea
7. Dry cough with tearing/throbbing pain in the head
8. Pain in nape of neck, aggravation (agg.) looking upward
or bending head backward
9. Pain and cramp in the extremities especially calf muscles
10. Complete sleeplessness in 6C and sleepiness in 30C
potency.
The incidence of pathogenetic effects in this study has been
found to be 1.35.
Placebo symptoms developed during the trial are placed in
Table 5.
Discussion
In the present study, when the symptoms generated in
the verum group, placebo group and the earlier proving
symptoms available in the homoeopathic literature were
compared, it was found that marked mental symptoms were
elicited in this proving and many symptoms were similar to
those mentioned in the literature. Characteristic symptoms
were produced related to head, eye, mouth, abdomen,
rectum, cough, back and extremities, sleep and fever with
marked modalities, and associated symptoms. Well‑defined
skin symptoms with finer details were observed in
comparison with a few vague symptoms mentioned in the
homeopathic literature.

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Table 4: Qualitative symptom profiles of intervention group, control group, and former Homoeopathic drug proving
symptoms
Section Placebo (C) Cuprum Cuprum aceticum Common symptoms Profile of cuprum
aceticum 6C 30C of verum and aceticum by previous
placebo groups homoeopathic provings
Mind Loquacity (talking Anger with irritability Extreme anguish[13]
about irrelevant when contradicted, Attacks of rage[3]
things), didn’t amelioration Talks all the time[3]
want to be being alone. This
Disconnected, delirious
interrupted, if is associated
talking[3]
interrupted feels with thoughts of
like hitting committing suicide
Loquacity (talking
about irrelevant
things), did not want
to be interrupted, if
interrupted feels like
hitting
Vertigo Vertigo with heaviness of head Vertigo, Vertigo Vertigo[3]
Vertigo with malaise and aggravation Vertigo, marked
low BP‑110/60 mm Hg; afternoon, and persistent, with
aggravation evening, lying amelioration stupefaction[14]
down and next day BP‑110/50 evening
mm Hg; aggravation evening
Vertigo with dizziness and
drowsiness; amelioration lying
down
Head Heaviness in head; Bursting pain in Bursting pain in Dull aching pain in Headache in nearly all
aggravation evening, frontal region of head; aggravation frontal region of head cases. Very violent,
amelioration rest head; aggravation night, amelioration especially in the forehead
Dull aching pain in frontal night pressure and vertex, becoming
region of head with Pain in head as Pain in head with less after 1 or 2 days,
drowsiness and vertigo; if head would feeling as if head sometimes however
aggravation 3 pm to 5 pm, burst (10 am would burst in small returning[3]
amelioration placing hand to 12 noon); pieces associated Sensation of pressure and
on forehead. Next day same aggravation with sleepiness; heaviness in the head[3]
symptom persisted for whole stooping aggravation bending Throbbing pain in whole
day Dull, aching forward head. Beating headache.
Aching pain in frontal and pain in frontal Bursting pain in Violent headache[3]
supra‑orbital region of region of head frontal region of Violent pain in the frontal
head; aggravation motion, with coryza; head; aggravation region. Violent pains in
amelioration pressure aggravation walking, noise, the forehead[3]
Bursting pain at vertex walking, amelioration tight
extending to frontal region; bending forward, bandaging
aggravation night. Next day afternoon
onwards associated with till night,
sleepiness amelioration
Heaviness in occipital region pressure, after
of head (10 am to 6 pm). sleep
Next day aching pain in head.
Heaviness in the occipital
region of the head reappeared
after 4 days and continued for
3 days
Heaviness of the head
Aching pain in the frontal
region of the head extending
to vertex; aggravation after
waking. This was associated
with vomiting (two episodes)
on the 2nd day

Contd...

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Table 4: Contd...
Section Placebo (C) Cuprum Cuprum aceticum Common symptoms Profile of cuprum
aceticum 6C 30C of verum and aceticum by previous
placebo groups homoeopathic provings
Aching pain in whole head
with vertigo, sleeplessness
and nausea (9 am to 12 noon);
amelioration by pressing
Aching pain in left side of
head associated with heaviness
of whole head and over
eyebrows (12 noon to 4 pm);
amelioration by pressing, after
sleep
Aching pain in occipital
region of head; aggravation
moving head in lying position,
amelioration drinking tea
Bursting pain in occipital
region radiating to eyeballs;
aggravation pressure, night
Pain in bi‑temporal region
with sensation of heaviness;
aggravation opening eyes,
talking, amelioration closing
eyes
Left sided headache at 2: 30
pm for 2-3 min
Eye Swelling of both lower eye Swelling of both Heaviness in both Swelling of both Eyelids very red and
lids for 2 days. After a gap of lower eyelids; eyes followed by lower eyelids swollen, so that they
1 day felt heaviness in eyes as aggravation retro‑orbital pain could hardly be opened[3]
if swollen which persisted for morning with burning in eyes;
4 days aggravation after
studying. Next day
lachrymation in both
eyes with itching and
puffiness around the
eyes; aggravation
after studying
Nose Sneezing (5-6 bouts) with Sneezing with Coryza with watery Sneezing with watery Very violent fluent
watery nasal discharge and watery nasal nasal discharge; nasal discharge coryza, with lachrymation
lachrymation associated with discharge; aggravation morning, and smarting in the eyes[3]
retro‑orbital pain aggravation night
Watery nasal discharge with morning
sneezing
Coryza with watery nasal
discharge and sneezing;
aggravation morning, cold
air, amelioration afternoon,
evening
Watery nasal discharge with
right‑sided frontal headache at
5 pm for 5 min
Face Red‑colored papule on right
cheek with throbbing pain

Contd...

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Table 4: Contd...
Section Placebo (C) Cuprum Cuprum aceticum Common symptoms Profile of cuprum
aceticum 6C 30C of verum and aceticum by previous
placebo groups homoeopathic provings
Mouth Burning sensation in the Aphthae on Dryness of the mouth[3]
mouth with red discoloration lower lip, white Great thirst for cold
of buccal mucosa and ulcer on in colour, with water[3]
edge and tip of tongue red margins, and
burning pain;
aggravation
eating, talking
Aphthae in mouth
with burning pain,
whitish in colour,
red in margin with
dry tongue
Dryness of mouth
with excessive
thirst and desire
for cold water
Teeth Stitching pain in Stitching pain in first
right lower molar; right lower molar
aggravation eating radiating to right
ear; aggravation cold
drink, amelioration
warm water
Throat Rawness in throat Sore throat A/F Sore throat Inflammation of the
Pain in throat (soreness with exposure to dust; throat, preventing
hoarseness) with general aggravation swallowing[3]
weakness, tiredness and noon to evening,
heat in palms and body; cold water,
aggravation on swallowing amelioration
Soreness in throat with dryness taking tea,
and difficulty in eating food gargling by hot
water
Soreness of throat with
tingling sensation
Soreness in throat with
excessive salivation and
difficulty in swallowing
Soreness in throat associated
with dryness of mouth
and malaise; aggravation
swallowing solid food
Stomach Vomiting of mucus in morning Nausea with Nausea
followed by nausea weakness;
Nausea for 2 days. Reappeared aggravation 9 am
after 7 days for 2 days
Heaviness in epigastric region
with nausea and bloating of
abdomen; aggravation evening
till mid night
Burning pain in epigastric
region, associated with nausea
and belching; aggravation
lying down, amelioration
after vomiting (thrice) of
undigested food
Nausea with sensation
of obstruction in throat;
aggravation after dinner
Vomiting of food eaten (twice
at 6:30 am and 6 pm) with
bleeding from left nostril;
aggravation after breakfast

Contd...

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Table 4: Contd...
Section Placebo (C) Cuprum Cuprum aceticum Common symptoms Profile of cuprum
aceticum 6C 30C of verum and aceticum by previous
placebo groups homoeopathic provings
Abdomen Aching pain in abdomen Cutting pain Heaviness and Aching pain in Tearing‑cutting pain in
with heaviness; aggravation in abdomen; stinging pain in abdomen the abdomen[3]
morning aggravation eating whole abdomen; Cutting pain in Occasional griping pains
Aching pain in epigastric Aching pain in aggravation eating, abdomen in abdomen[3]
region with drowsiness; abdomen at 6 amelioration pressure Profuse diarrhoea; the
aggravation before and after pm (umbilical Heaviness in stools continues for a
eating region). Next day epigastric region long time with tenesmus
Cutting pain in epigastric pain increased Colicky pain and prostration, only
region aggravation 12 noon to in intensity with in abdomen; relieved after 8 days[3]
2 pm. Next day aching pain loose watery aggravation Pain in region of
in abdomen for same timings. stool (3-4 times/ eating, drinking, stomach[3]
After a gap of 1 day aching day); aggravation amelioration Violent colic in stomach
pain in abdomen reappeared eating pressure, bending and bowels[3]
and continued for 4 days Gripping pain forward
Aching pain in right in abdomen
hypochondrium with dark with loose
colored stool in morning; stool (3 times/
amelioration pressure. day), associated
Symptom continued whole with great thirst,
day but intensity of pain much loss of appetite,
reduced when woke up next and bitter taste
day and subsided after stool
Macular eruption with itching
on abdomen turned into boils
next day
Aching pain in right
hypochondrium; aggravation 9
am to 1 pm
Cutting pain in abdomen
associated with diminished
appetite and increased thirst
for cold water; aggravation
2 pm
Aching pain in lower
abdomen; aggravation lying
on back, amelioration lying on
abdomen
Aching pain in both
hypochondrium (6 pm to 9
pm)
Rectum Bleeding per rectum while Stool mixed Hard, unsatisfactory Bleeding per rectum Smarting at the anus after
passing soft stool with blood, stool stoo[3]
Fruity smell in stool (one burning sensation
episode) in rectum;
amelioration cold
application
Urine Profuse urination (without
reason)

Contd...

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Table 4: Contd...
Section Placebo (C) Cuprum Cuprum aceticum Common symptoms Profile of cuprum
aceticum 6C 30C of verum and aceticum by previous
placebo groups homoeopathic provings
Cough Dry cough associated Dry cough; Dry cough with Dry cough Frequent, violent, dry
with running nose and aggravation night scanty, white cough, with tearing pain
fever (100°F); amelioration expectoration in the head; the cough
warm drinks. No fever for associated with was followed by violent
next 2 days but heat of body throbbing pain in pulsation of the heart,
present (URTI) head on coughing, lasting several min; at
Cough with mucoid heaviness in head this time the anxiety
expectoration associated with throughout the day and pressure in the chest
coryza and heaviness in chest; and fever (99.6°F). returned, especially while
aggravation morning, while But cough symptoms sitting; cough came on at
sleeping, amelioration warm continued for next night between 11 and 1[3]
drinks, warm room 2 days and fever
Dry cough with pain in again on the third
throat, nasal obstruction and day (99°F)
yellowish nasal discharge;
aggravation morning, daytime,
after eating, cold things
Chest Itching on sub‑mammary
region, scratching leads
to burning; amelioration
undressing
Back Stitching pain in lumbar Aching pain in Cutting pain in Pain in lumbar region Lancinating pain at the
region with restlessness, nape of neck lumbar region; nape of neck, on bending
extending towards from 2 pm to 7 aggravation lying head backwards[3]
right side; amelioration pm; aggravation down, walking, Pain in the loins[3]
massaging (temporary relief) looking upwards. amelioration sitting,
Next day the warmth
intensity of
symptom
increased from
morning till
evening and
continued for 2
more days
Dull aching pain
with stiffness in
lumbar region;
aggravation
afternoon till
night, walking,
lying down,
amelioration
massaging
Extremities Aching pain in lower Stitching pain in Stitching pain in Pain in lower Pain and cramp in the
extremities; aggravation night lower extremities calves; aggravation extremities extremities[3]
Stitching pain with stiffness especially walking, amelioration Violent cramping,
and difficulty in movement of calf muscles; pressure paroxysmal, in the
right shoulder (4 pm to 8 pm) aggravation night Stitching pain in both calves[3]
Tearing, bony pain in left Itching in right legs; aggravation Violent drawing and
forearm with inability to hold leg, scratching night, amelioration tension in limbs[14]
anything (8 am to 11 am) leads to burning pressure
Aching pain in right leg over
shin; aggravation walking for
10 days. This was associated
with numbness in both lower
extremities; aggravation sitting
for 5-10 min with folded legs
which lasted for 1 more day

Contd...

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Table 4: Contd...
Section Placebo (C) Cuprum Cuprum aceticum Common symptoms Profile of cuprum
aceticum 6C 30C of verum and aceticum by previous
placebo groups homoeopathic provings
Sleep Sleeplessness Sleepiness Complete sleeplessness,
lasting 5 days frequently lasting three or
4 days[3]
Great sleepiness[3]
Fever Fever (101°F) with chills Fever with chills Fever (102°F) Fever with chills and
associated with sore throat and body ache associated with fever with bodyache
and watery discharge from in the evening; vomiting (once of
nose; amelioration warm aggravation cold undigested food
application, warm drinks, weather particles), vertigo,
gargles. On 3rd day only restlessness,
watery nasal discharge weakness, reduced
Fever (99.8°F) with body ache appetite and disturbed
and malaise sleep during day and
Fever with bodyache, nausea night
and dizziness started in
evening and persisted till
morning
Skin Itching followed by redness Small red macules Eruptions with Eruptions on the skin[3]
and eruptions (wheal on the left side itching
formation) on whole body of the neck and
associated with sleepiness shoulder without
on and off whole night; itching for 8 days.
aggravation after taking bath. Then only on
Itching reappeared around 1 neck since the
pm with small red eruptions 9th day and
on the hands. Same symptoms disappeared after
reappeared at 10 pm with 5 days
sleepiness and continued till Small, red papular
2 days eruptions on
Eruptions with itching on the right arm
lateral side of both elbows; and front of the
aggravation 4 pm and 8 pm, neck, associated
amelioration morning with itching
Itching whole body and burning;
Itching on lateral sides of both aggravation
arms just below shoulders touch, night,
aggravation 9 to 9:30 pm for amelioration
3 days. On 4th day eruptions rubbing
also appeared at the same site
with itching which are hard
to touch. On the 11th day,
skin become hyperpigmented
on the spot of eruption while
itching continued, then turned
into wheal with occasional
bleeding on scratching
Itching all over body with
macular eruptions which are
red in colour
Itching with macular eruptions
on lateral side of left arm just
below the shoulder. Next day
wheal formation; aggravation
after undressing (9 pm to 1
am). On 4th day only itching
remained

Contd...

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Table 4: Contd...
Section Placebo (C) Cuprum Cuprum aceticum Common symptoms Profile of cuprum
aceticum 6C 30C of verum and aceticum by previous
placebo groups homoeopathic provings
Generalities Weakness and does not Weakness of Weakness of whole
want to talk to anyone. After whole body body
2 days interval weakness of associated with
whole body reappeared with vertigo
sensation of fatigue, malaise, Burning sensation
wants to lie down and does not in whole body
want to talk to anyone
General weakness and
tiredness of whole body;
aggravation evening
Weakness
Weakness with fatigue and
malaise with low BP (110/50
mm Hg). Next day BP=90/60
mm Hg
URTI: Upper respiratory tract infection, BP: Blood pressure

Table 5: Placebo symptoms developed during the trial

Each one of these symptoms mentioned below were developed and reported by single prover
Location Symptoms observed Doses Symptom duration in days
Vertigo Vertigo with heaviness of head 6 3 days
Vertigo with malaise and low BP‑110/60 mm Hg; aggravation evening, lying down and 8 2 days
next day BP‑110/50 mm Hg; aggravation evening
Vertigo with dizziness and drowsiness, amelioration lying down 4 6 days
Head Heaviness in head; aggravation evening, amelioration rest 12 3h
Dull aching pain in frontal region of head with drowsiness and vertigo; aggravation 3 pm 6 2 days
to 5 pm, amelioration placing hand on forehead. Next day same symptom persisted for
whole day
Aching pain in frontal and supra‑orbital region of head; aggravation motion, amelioration 12 3 days
pressure
Bursting pain at vertex extending to frontal region; aggravation night. Next day onwards 8 10 days
associated with sleepiness
Heaviness in occipital region of head (10 am to 6 pm). Next day aching pain in head. 5 5 days
Heaviness in occipital region of head reappeared after 4 days and continued for 3 days
Heaviness of head 4 1 day
Aching pain in frontal region of head extending to vertex; aggravation after waking. This 4 2 days
was associated with vomiting (two episodes) on 2nd day
Aching pain in whole head with vertigo, sleeplessness and nausea (9 am to 12 noon); 12 3h
amelioration by pressing
Aching pain in left side of head associated with heaviness of whole head and over 12 4h
eyebrows (12 noon to 4 pm); amelioration by pressing, after sleep
Aching pain in occipital region of head; aggravation moving head in lying position, 3 2 days
amelioration drinking tea
Bursting pain in occipital region radiating to eyeballs; aggravation pressure, night 7 5h
Pain in bi‑temporal region with sensation of heaviness; aggravation opening eyes, talking, 8 4 days
amelioration closing eyes
Left sided headache at 2:30 pm for 2-3 min 6 2-3 min
Eye Swelling of both lower eye lids for 2 days. After a gap of 1 day felt heaviness in eyes as if 8 6 days
swollen for 4 days
Nose Sneezing (5-6 bouts) with watery nasal discharge and lachrymation associated with 8 9 days
retro‑orbital pain
Watery nasal discharge with sneezing 8 3 days
Coryza with watery nasal discharge and sneezing; aggravation morning, cold air, 8 3 days
amelioration afternoon, evening
Watery nasal discharge with right sided frontal headache at 5 pm for 5 min 8 5 min

Contd...

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Table 5: Contd...
Each one of these symptoms mentioned below were developed and reported by single prover
Location Symptoms observed Doses Symptom duration in days
Mouth Burning sensation in the mouth with red discoloration of buccal mucosa and ulcer on edge 11 4 days
and tip of tongue. Dryness of mouth
Face Red coloured papule on right cheek with throbbing pain 8 15 days
Throat Rawness in throat 6 6 days
Pain in throat (soreness with hoarseness) with general weakness, tiredness and heat in 6 4 days
palms and body; aggravation on swallowing
Soreness in throat with dryness and difficulty in eating food 6 1 day
Soreness of throat with tingling sensation 4 5 days
Soreness in throat with excessive salivation and difficulty in swallowing 11 4 days
Soreness in throat associated with dryness of mouth and malaise; aggravation swallowing 7 3 days
solid food
Stomach Vomiting of mucus in morning followed by nausea 8 2 days
Nausea for 2 days. Reappeared after 7 days for 2 days 8 4 days
Heaviness in epigastric region with nausea and bloating of abdomen; aggravation evening 4 1 day
till mid night
Burning pain in epigastric region, associated with nausea and belching; aggravation lying 12 1 day
down, amelioration after vomiting (thrice) of undigested food
Nausea with sensation of obstruction in throat; aggravation after dinner 4 2 days
Vomiting of food eaten (twice at 6:30 am and 6 pm) with bleeding from left nostril; 4 1 day
aggravation after breakfast
Abdomen Aching pain in abdomen with heaviness; aggravation morning 12 3h
Aching pain in epigastric region with drowsiness; aggravation before and after eating 6 2 days
Cutting pain in epigastric region aggravation 12 noon to 2 pm. Next day aching pain in 8 6 days
abdomen for same timings. After a gap of 1 day aching pain in abdomen reappeared and
continued for 4 days
Aching pain in right hypochondrium with dark colored stool in morning; amelioration 12 2 days
pressure. Symptom continued whole day but intensity of pain much reduced after waking
up next day and subsided after stool
Macular eruption with itching on abdomen turned into boils next day 5 2 days
Aching pain in right hypochondrium; aggravation 9 am to 1 pm 5 4h
Cutting pain in abdomen associated with diminished appetite and increased thirst for cold 8 3 days
water; aggravation 2 pm
Aching pain in lower abdomen; aggravation lying on back, amelioration lying on abdomen 4 3 days
Aching pain in both hypochondrium (6 pm to 9 pm) 7 3h
Rectum Bleeding per rectum while passing soft stool 4 2 days
Stool Fruity smell in stool (one episode) 5 1 day
Urine Profuse urination (without reason) 4 30 days
Cough Dry cough associated with running nose and fever (100°F); amelioration warm drinks. No 12 3 days
fever for next 2 days but heat of body present (URTI)
Cough with mucoid expectoration associated with coryza and heaviness in chest; 4 3 days
aggravation morning, while sleeping, amelioration warm drinks, warm room
Dry cough with pain in throat, nasal obstruction and yellowish nasal discharge; aggravation 3 5 days
morning, daytime, after eating, cold things
Chest Itching on sub‑mammary region, scratching leads to burning; amelioration undressing 4 6 days
Back Stitching pain in the lumbar region with restlessness, extending toward right side; 8 4 days
amelioration massaging (temporary relief)
Extremities Aching pain in lower extremities; aggravation night 8 4 days
Stitching pain with stiffness and difficulty in the movement of the right shoulder (4 pm to 6 4h
8 pm)
Tearing, bony pain in the left forearm with inability to hold anything. (8 am to 11 am) 3 3h
Aching pain in the right leg over shin; aggravation walking for 10 days. This was 8 11 days
associated with numbness in both lower extremities; aggravation sitting for 5-10 min with
folded legs which lasted for 1 more day

Contd...

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Table 5: Contd...
Each one of these symptoms mentioned below were developed and reported by single prover
Location Symptoms observed Doses Symptom duration in days
Fever Fever (101◦ F) with chills associated with sore throat and watery discharge from nose; 12 3 days
amelioration warm application, warm drinks, gargles. On the 3rd day, only watery nasal
discharge
Fever (99.8°F) with body ache and malaise 10 4 days
Fever with body ache, nausea, and dizziness started in the evening and persisted till the 11 1 day
morning.
Skin Itching followed by redness and eruptions (wheal formation) on whole body associated 12 4 days
with sleepiness on and off whole night; aggravation after taking bath. Itching reappeared
around 1 pm with small red eruptions on the hands. Same symptoms reappeared at 10 pm
with sleepiness and continued till 2 days
Eruptions with itching on lateral side of both elbows; aggravation 4 pm and 8 pm, 12 5 days
amelioration morning
Itching whole body 5 6 days
Itching on the lateral sides of both arms just below shoulders aggravation 9 to 9:30 pm 12 15 days
for 3 days. On the 4th day, eruptions also appeared at the same site with itching which are
hard to touch. On the 11th day, skin become hyperpigmented on the spot of eruption while
itching continued, then turned into wheal with occasional bleeding on scratching
Itching all over the body with macular eruption which are red in color 7 12 days
Itching with macular eruption on the lateral side of the left arm just below the shoulder. 12 4 days
Next day wheal formation; aggravation after undressing (9 pm to 1 am). On the 4th day,
only itching remained
Generalities Weakness and does not want to talk to anyone. After 2 days interval weakness of whole 8 3 days
body reappeared with sensation of fatigue, malaise, wants to lie down, and does not want to
talk to anyone
General weakness and tiredness of whole body; aggravation evening 3 4h
Weakness 8 1 day
Weakness with fatigue and malaise with low BP (110/50 mm Hg). Next day BP=90/60 8 4 days
mm Hg
URTI: Upper respiratory tract infection, BP: Blood pressure

Certain symptoms developed during the proving trial were
quite similar to those found in previous literature. Thus, it
can be considered as a characteristic for this drug. However,
there have been additional findings as well in a few of
these symptoms which need to be clinically verified. A few
symptoms which are overlapping in both the groups could be
due to the nocebo effect or due to confounding factors such
as alteration in weather, food or regimen. Although adequate
efforts were made to rule out such effects by proper record
keeping, these can’t be ruled out completely. The pathogenetic
findings of this drug need further verification by using it for
therapeutic purposes in the patients reporting with similar
symptoms.
In one of the articles, Dr. Teut[15] has mentioned that ‘placebo
proving occasionally seem to produce similar symptoms
to the proving symptoms, thus casting further doubt on
the use of this medium in proving’ and has attributed it to
nocebo effect. A  nocebo response is explained as subject’s
own negative expectations and/or negative suggestions
from therapists/clinical staff in the absence of any treatment.
Nocebo phenomena are generally explained by Pavlovian
conditioning and expectations induced by verbal information
and suggestions. In this trial also nocebo phenomenon can be
considered and apart from the individual’s own perception,
this can be attributed to the discussion which usually takes
place among the students of homoeopathic colleges who are
the participants in the study. This poses a limitation as it is
difficult to keep a check on them for not discussing or sharing
the experiences. The massive number of symptoms developed
in the control group could be considered because of such
discussions among the students.
There are certain other limitations in the study apart from the
nocebo effect; like no defined parameters for the classification
of characteristic symptoms and less number of provers which
may be addressed in future studies.
Conclusion
The pathogenesis of the Cu acet. found in this study has
produced symptoms which were already noted in the
homoeopathic literature and there are many symptoms which
are new. These signs and symptoms need to be subjected to
clinical verification study for confirming their therapeutic
utility. This will further enhance the scope and utility of this
drug by the profession.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.

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Mehra, et al.: Drug proving of Cuprum aceticum

Conflicts of interest involving Human subjects. Available from: https://www.wma.net/policies-

None declared.
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PMID:17309373.
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published from 1945 to 1995. Homeopathy 2007;96: 4-16.
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B. jain Publishers; 2009.
13. Clarke JH. A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica, Vol.-I, B. Jain
Publishers New Delhi. Reprint Edition 2009, Pp. 56-59.
14. Hering C. The Guiding Symptoms of Our Materia Medica. Vol.-I, B.
Jain Publishers New Delhi. Republished edition 1971. Pp. 119-25.
15. Teut M, Dahler J, Hirschberg U, Luedtke R, Albrecht H, Witt CM.
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6215-14-96.

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Mehra, et al.: Drug proving of Cuprum aceticum

D;wIje ,lsfVde dk gksE;ksiSfFkd jksxtud iSFkkstsusfVd ijh{k.k% ,d cgqdsfUnzd] Mcy - & CykbaM ;kn`fPNd] Iykflcks fu;af=r ijh{k.k
i`‘BHkwfe% ;|fi D;wIje esVsfyde dk y{k.k foKku csgn foLr`r gS] blds vU; {kkj viw.kZ :i ls fl) gSaA vr%] D;wIje ,lsfVde ds fy,
gksE;ksiSfFkd jksxtud iSFkkstsusfVd ijh{k.k fd;k x;k FkkA mn~ns”;% LoLFk euq”; izwolZ ij gksE;ksiSfFkd izHkkoksa esa D;wIje ,lsfVde ds izfr
iSFkstsusfVd izfrfØ;k dk lkj fudkyukA lkefxz;k¡ ,oa i)fr;k¡% dsUnzh; gksE;ksiSfFkd vuqla/kku laLFkku ¼lhlhvkj,p½ ds rhu dsUnzksa ij ,d
cgq&dsfUnzd Mcy& CykbaM ;kn`fPNd] Iykflcks fu;af=r]ijh{k.k lapkfyr fd;k x;k FkkA iwoZ&ijh{k.k fpfdRlh; tk¡p dks lapkfyr djus ds
i’pkr~ pqus x, 50 lacaf/kr LoLFk izwolZ ij izwfoax v/;;u lapkfyr fd;k x;kA lHkh izwolZ dks ijh{k.k ds izFke pj.k ds nkSjku Iykflcks nh xbZ
FkhA vxys nks pj.kksa esa] ;kn`fPNdhdj.k ds i’pkr~] D;wIje ,lsfVde dks gLr{ksih; lewg esa ¼,u ¾ 34½] rFkk Iykflcks lewg esa ¼,u ¾ 16½ 60
lh ,oa 30 lh izHkkoksa esa O;ofLFkr fd;k x;k FkkA D;wIje ,lsfVde ls mikftZr izHkkfor vkadM+ksa dks v/;;u &lg&vk¡dM+k izØe.k izdks"B esa
ladfyr ,oa ewY;kafdr fd;k x;k FkkA ifj.kke% 34 izwolZ esa ls tks okLrfod nok ijh{k.k ij Fks] dsoy 12 izwolZ us gh y{k.kksa dks O;Dr fd;k FkkA
30 lh ,oa 200lh izHkko'khyrk esa Øe'k% 26 ,oa 20 y{k.k O;Dr fd, x, FksA fu"d"kZ% v/;;u ijh{k.k ds nkSjku izkIr gqbZ iSFkkstsusfVd izfrfØ;k
us D;wIje ,lsfVde gksE;ksiSfFkd nok ds bLrseky dh laHkkouk dks c<+k fn;k gSA bl ijh{k.k esa mikftZr y{k.kksa dh cgqewY;rk uSnkfud lR;kiu
djus ij vkSj T;knk c<+sxhA

Essai homéopathique pathogénétique de Cuprum aceticum: essai multicentrique, en double-aveugle, randomisé et

contrôlé par placebo
Contexte: Bien que la symptomatologie de Cuprum metallicum soit assez vaste, ses autres sels ont des preuves fragmentaires.
Ainsi, un essai pathogénique homéopathique pour Cuprum aceticum a été entrepris. Objectif: Provoquer la réponse pathogénique
à Cuprum aceticum en puissances homéopathiques sur des prouveurs humains en bonne santé. Matériels et méthodes: Un
essai multicentrique randomisé en double-aveugle, contrôlé par placebo, a été mené dans trois centres du Conseil central pour
la recherche en homéopathie (CCRH). L’épreuve a été menée sur 50 prouveurs relativement en bonne santé sélectionnés après
avoir effectué l’examen médical préalable au procès. Tous les prouveurs ont été donnés un placebo au cours de la première
phase de l’essai. Au cours des deux phases suivantes, Cuprum aceticum a été administré à des concentrations de 6C et 30C,
dans le groupe d’intervention (n=34); et placebo dans le groupe placebo (n=16), après randomisation. Les données probantes
ainsi générées sur Cuprum aceticum ont été compilées et analysées dans la cellule d’épreuve-cum-traitement des données.
Résultat: Sur les 34 prouveurs ayant participé à un essai de médicament, seuls 12 témoins ont manifesté des symptômes. 26
et 20 symptômes ont été manifestés respectivement à puissance 30C et 200C. Conclusion: La réponse pathogénique suscitée
au cours de l’essai d’épreuve élargit le champ d’utilisation du médicament homéopathique Cuprum aceticum. Les symptômes
générés dans cet essai auront plus de valeur lorsqu’ils seront vérifiés cliniquement.

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Mehra, et al.: Drug proving of Cuprum aceticum

Ensayo patogenético homeopático de Cuprum aceticum: Ensayo multicéntrico, doble ciego, aleatorizado, controlado
con placebo
Fundamento: Aunque la sintomatología de Cuprum metallicum es bastante extensa, sus otras sales tienen pruebas fragmentarias.
Así, se realizó un ensayo patogenético homoeopático para Cuprum aceticum. Objetivo: Para obtener la respuesta patogénica
a Cuprum aceticum en potencias homeopáticas en demostradores humanos sanos. Materiales y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un
ensayo multicéntrico doble ciego aleatorizado, controlado con placebo, en tres centros del Consejo Central para la Investigación
en Homeopatía (CCRH). Se realizaron pruebas en 50 probadores relativamente sanos seleccionados después de realizar el
examen médico previo al ensayo. Todos los probadores recibieron placebo durante la primera fase del ensayo. En las dos fases
siguientes, Cuprum aceticum se administró en potencias 6C y 30C, en el grupo intervención (n=34); y placebo en el grupo
placebo (n=16), después de la aleatorización. Los datos de prueba así generados en Cuprum aceticum fueron compilados y
analizados en la celda de procesamiento de pruebas y datos. Resultado: De 34 probadores que estaban en ensayo real de
la droga, solamente 12 probadores manifestaron síntomas. 26 y 20 síntomas fueron manifestados en potencia 30C y 200C
respectivamente. Conclusión: La respuesta patogenética que se produjo durante el ensayo clínico de prueba amplía el alcance
del uso de la medicina homeopática Cuprum aceticum. Los síntomas generados en este ensayo tendrán más valor cuando se
verificen clínicamente.

Homöopathische pathogenetische Studie an Cuprum aceticum: Eine multizentrische, doppelblinde, randomisierte,

placebokontrollierte Studie
Hintergrund: Obwohl die Symptomatik von Cuprum metallicum ziemlich groß ist, haben seine anderen Salze fragmentarische
Beweise. Daher So wurde die homöopathische pathogenetische Studie für Cuprum aceticum aufgenommen. Ziel: Die
pathogenetische Reaktion auf Cuprum aceticum in homöopathischen Potenzen auf gesunde menschliche Provers hervorzurufen.
Um die pathogenetische Reaktion auf Cuprum aceticum in homöopathischen Potenzen bei gesunden menschlichen Prüfern
auszulösen. Materialien und Methoden: Eine multizentrische, randomisierte, placebokontrollierte Doppelblindstudie mit
mehreren Zentren wurde an drei Zentren des Central Council for Research in Homöopathy (CCRH) durchgeführt. Der Nachweis
wurde an 50 relativ gesunden Testern durchgeführt, die nach Durchführung der medizinischen Voruntersuchung ausgewählt
wurden. Alle Prüfer Prover erhielten in der ersten Phase der Studie ein Placebo. In den nächsten zwei Phasen, Cuprum aceticum
wurde in den Potenzen 6C-und 30C-Potenzen in der Intervention verabreicht gruppe (n=34); und Placebo in der Placebogruppe
(n=16) nach Randomisierung. Die auf Cuprum aceticum so erzeugten Nachweisdaten wurden in der Proving-cum-data
processing cell zusammengestellt und analysiert. Ergebnisse Ergebnis: Von 34 Probanden, die an einer Arzneimittelprüfung
Wirkstoffstudie teilnahmen, zeigten nur 12 Probanden Symptome. 26 und 20 Symptome zeigten sich in 30C bzw. 200C
Potenz. Schlussfolgerung: Die pathogenetische Reaktion, die während der Proving-Studie hervorgerufen wurde, erweitert den
Anwendungsbereich des homöopathischen Arzneimittels Cuprum aceticum. Die in dieser Studie erzeugten Symptome haben
einen höheren Wert, wenn sie klinisch verifiziert werden.

醋酸铜的顺势病理实验：多中心、双盲、随机、安慰剂对照试验
背景：虽然铜金属的症状是相当庞大的，它的其他盐有零碎的证明。 因此，采取了铜针的顺势疗法的致病性试验。
目的：探讨顺势疗法对健康人的病理反应。 材料和方法：在顺势疗法研究委员会（CCRH）的三个中心进行了一项
多中心双盲随机安慰剂对照试验。 在进行审前体检后选择的50名相对健康的证明者上进行了证明。 在试验的第一阶
段，所有证明者都给予安慰剂。 在接下来的两个阶段, 在干预组(n=34) 分别以6C和30C的剂量给药；和安慰剂组(n=16)
。在验证实验数据处理单元上，对由此产生的丙酮铜的验证数据进行编辑和分析。结果：34名实际药物试验者中，
只有12人出现症状。30C和200C的药力分别表现出26和20种症状。结论：在验证试验中引发的病理反应扩大了同种顺
势疗法药物醋酸铜的应用范围。临床验证时，此试验产生的症状将更有价值。

94 Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy ¦ Volume 15 ¦ Issue 2 ¦ April-June 2021